Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).

MANILA, Philippines – From Mocha Uson’s government appointment, to messages of support for soldiers and cops who fought with terrorists in Marawi, Filipinos on social media didn't hold back on theirs views on the major political and social issues of 2017.

Mocha Uson’s appointment as Malacañang communicator

It was a tough 2017 for sex blogger-turned-government official Mocha Uson as she faced criticism over her appointment as an official of the Duterte administration.

Some netizens said it was regrettable that an environmentalist like Gina Lopez was denied a government post because the Commission on Appointments rejected her appointment as environment secretary while someone like Uson, accused of sharing fake information through her Facebook blog, earned a post in the government's primary communication arm. (READ: 'Let that sink in': Filipinos react to Mocha Uson appointment)

Fake news

Social media has made spreading lies and propaganda – and therefore manipulating public opinion – so much easier.

A veteran newspaper columnist even fell victim to "fake news." Netizens criticized Manila Times' Yen Makabenta after he used a quote from a fake news website in his opinion piece. Makabenta claimed that US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said that Duterte should be "given space to run his nation." The US embassy, however, denied that Haley made such a statement. (READ: Manila Times columnist falls for fake news)

Philippine News Agency blunders

State-run media Philippine News Agency (PNA) drew criticism for a string of mistakes in its articles.

PNA used the Dole pineapple logo for a Department of Labor and Employment story on 2018 pay rules for holidays. It also erroneously published on its website several articles with editor's notes and instructions.

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao following the attack of local terrorists in Marawi City on May 23. Despite the liberation of the war-torn Marawi on October 17, martial law has not yet been lifted in the region, and was even extended until the end of 2018.

#JusticeForKian

Netizens were outraged over the killing of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos, whom the Caloocan police tagged as a drug runner though he was not included in any drug list.

According to authorities, Delos Santos fired a gun at the cops during a drug raid. However, CCTV footage showed that he was dragged to a dark alley. Forensic experts at the Philippine National Police and the Public Attorney's Office had the same finding: Delos Santos was executed – he was shot in the back of his head while kneeling down.

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Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).